Oak Ridge North discusses American Rescue Plan Act funding, potential police department relocation

Oak Ridge North City Manager Heather Neeley said the city received the first half of American Rescue Plan Act funds during a regular Oct. 25 City Council meeting.

According to Oak Ridge North materials, the city received about $391,626 in the first installment of ARPA funds in September. Neeley said the city is expected to receive about $783,000 total in ARPA funds. The second round of the funds will be provided in roughly six months.

“The list of projects is pretty specific,” Neeley said during the meeting. "Drainage [projects are] not included. There are some water and sewer projects specific to technology. ...Some aspects that we're looking at is whether or not we can use it for any of the buildings."

Neeley said the city is looking to use the funds before they expire in 2024. Any unused funds will be forfeited.

“We will take advantage of [the funding],” Neeley said.

No decisions regarding the use of funding were made at the Oct. 25 meeting.

Council discusses potential police department relocation

The Oak Ridge North City Council discussed potentially moving the city’s police department to the future public works facility site during the Oct. 25 meeting.

Tom Libby, Oak Ridge North chief of police, told the council there are advantages and disadvantages to moving the police department east of the railroad tracks. He said the department will benefit from having the ability to expand.

No action was taken regarding the police department relocation as it was listed as a discussion-only item on the City Council's agenda.